Panel for devices

ABSTRACT

A panel constitutes a part of an exterior of a device. The panel includes a first panel member having a first one end, and a second panel member having a second one end. At least part of the second one end is located to be overlapped with at least part of the first one end of the first panel member. The panel includes a biasing attachment that biases the overlapped parts between the first one end of the first panel member and the second one end of the second panel member in an overlap direction so as to attach the overlapped parts.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a panel for various devices, such aselectronic devices; this panel constitutes a part of an exterior of adevice.

BACKGROUND ART

Panels constituting exteriors of various deices, such as electronicdevices, simply represent the external view of these devices. Inparticular, a front panel constitutes a device's front surface thatfaces a user during operation of the device is frequently viewed by theuser. Thus, forming grooves on a surface of a panel to give depth feelor fabricating, such as blasting or mirror finishing, a surface of apanel enhances the surface of panel in aesthetic appearance and design.

These panels are normally produced by an extruded material, such as anextruded aluminum material.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

In recent years, electronic devices have enhanced their functionalitiesand gone upscale. Such sophisticated and upscale electronic devices canincrease their sizes. The increase of an electronic device in sizenaturally contributes to the increase in the area of its exteriors. Forthis reason, a panel constituting an exterior of such an electronicdevice increases in size with increase in size of the electronic device.

In order to produce a large-area panel, it is necessary to increase anextruding die in size with increase in panel-size. However, there is alimit to the increase in size of an extruding die in view of the costsof the die; this limits the increase in area of an integrally formedpanel.

When a large-size panel with grooves on its surface is produced by anextruded metallic material, a deformation, such as warpage and/or akink, may be caused in the produced panel.

In addition, it may be difficult to fabricate, such as blast or mirrorfinish, the formed grooves on the surface of a panel.

The present invention has been made in light of the circumstancesprovided above. The present invention has an example of an object ofproviding panels for devices; these panels are adapted to:

address the increase in the surface area of devices, which in turn canaddress the increase in their areas;

prevent or reduce the decrease in their strengths with increase in theirareas and the deformation due to the decrease in their strengths; and

allow easy fabrication of its surface, such as forming of deep grooveson its surface and surface finishing of the formed grooves.

Means for Solving the Problems

An aspect of the present invention recited in claim 1 is a panelconstitutes a part of an exterior of a device. The panel includes afirst panel member having a first one end, and a second panel memberhaving a second one end. At least part of the second one end is locatedto be overlapped with at least part of the first one end of the firstpanel member. The panel includes a biasing attachment that biases theoverlapped parts between the first one end of the first panel member andthe second one end of the second panel member in an overlap direction soas to attach the overlapped parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating apanel for devices according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is one side view of the panel according to the first embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken on line A-A in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view schematically illustrating a part of apanel for devices according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention; this part of the panel corresponds to a part of the panelillustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating apanel for a device and a housing of the device according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating apanel for a device and a housing of the device according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is one side and locally sectional view of each of a panel for adevice and a housing of the device according to the fifth embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustratinganother structure of a bracket according to the first to fifthembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustratinganother structure of a bracket according to the first to fifthembodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustratinganother structure of a bracket according to the first to fifthembodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF CHARACTERS

-   -   1 Panel    -   3 First panel member    -   5 Second panel member    -   7 Integrated panel    -   8, 8A to 8C Housing    -   9, 9A, 9B, 9C Biasing attachment    -   11 flat plate portion    -   11 a One end    -   15, 25 Slit    -   21 Flat plate portion    -   21 a One end    -   27 Groove    -   31, 60 panel stay    -   33 Edge rib    -   41, 42 L bracket    -   41 a, 42 a First support plate    -   41 b, 42 b Second support plate    -   13 a, 23 a, 35 a, 45 a, 45 b, 46 a, 46 b, 47 to 49, 62 a, 62 b,        81, 82, 92 a, 92 b, 100 to 103 Screw hole    -   36, 51 a, 51 b, 52 a, 52 b, 96, 104, 105 Screw    -   61 a, 61 b Mounting boss    -   91 a, 91 b Attachment member (Sheet metal)    -   97 Nut

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter withreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating apanel 1 for devices according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 2 is one side view of the panel 1 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross sectional viewtaken on line A-A in FIG. 2.

The panel 1 according to the first embodiment is used to constitute anexterior of a device; this device is included in various devicesincluding, for example, audio devices, such as amplifiers, andelectronic devices including car-navigation systems, audio componentsystems, and the like. Particularly, the panel 1 constitutes a device'sfront surface that faces a user during operation of the device.

Specifically, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the panel 1 is provided with anintegrated panel 7 and a biasing support 9. The integrated panel 7consists of a substantially plate-like first panel member 3 and asubstantially plate-like second panel member 5 integrated with eachother. The first panel member 3 has a width in one direction, and thesecond panel member 5 has substantially the same width in the onedirection as the width of the first panel member 3.

The biasing support 9 is adapted to bias the integrated panel 7 to ahousing 8 so as to attach it thereto. The overall shape of theintegrated panel 7 is substantially the same as a surface of the housing8 to which the integrated panel 7 is to be attached.

Each of the first and second panel members 3 and 5 is produced by anextruded metal plate, such as an extruded aluminum plate.

The first panel member 3 is provided with a flat plate portion 11having, for example, substantially rectangular shape. The flat plateportion 11 has one longitudinal end 11 a and the other end 11 b oppositethereto.

The other end 11 b of the flat plate portion 11 is bent toward a panelstay 31 at a substantially right angle to provide an edge rib 13.

The edge rib 13 serves as an installation wall (bottom wall) when thedevice (panel 1) is in installed condition. The first panel member 3 isconfigured to extend, via the edge rib 13, in a Z direction illustratedin FIG. 1 relative to an installation surface S. An inner surface 11 cof the flat plate portion 11 faces the panel stay 31, and the innersurface 11 c and an outer surface 11 d opposing the inner surface 11 cconstitute a lower front surface of the device.

The edge rib 13 is formed at its both ends with screw holes 13 a.

Like the edge rib 13, the one end 11 a of the flat plate portion 11 isbent toward the panel stay 31 at a substantially right angle, andfurther bent toward the second panel member 5 as a substantially rightangle. The one end 11 a is formed with a slit 15 at its middle in thelongitudinal direction corresponding to a y direction illustrated inFIG. 1. The slit 15 allows air to enter therethrough. Air entering fromthe exterior of the panel 1 into the inside of the panel 1 through theslit 15 cools heat-generating components located inside the panel 1.

Note that each of the first and second panel members 3 and 5 can beformed with a notch, and integration between the first and second panelmembers 3 and 5 can provide a slit allowing air to flow therethrough.

The second panel member 5 is located above the first panel member 3based on the installation surface S (the edge rib 13).

Specifically, the second panel member 5 is provided with a flat plateportion 21 with a constant width as well as the first panel member 3.The flat plate portion 21 has one end 21 a and the other end 21 bopposite thereto. The dimensions of the one end 21 a and the other end21 b of the flat plate portion 21 are substantially the same as those ofthe one end 11 a and the other end 11 b of the flat plate portion 11.

The one end 21 a of the flat plate portion 21, which is a longitudinalside of the rectangular portion 21 located close to the first panelmember 3 according to the first embodiment and the one end 11 a of theflat plate portion 11, which is a longitudinal side of the rectangularportion 11 located close to the second panel member 5 according to thefirst embodiment, are overlapped with each other to provide theintegrated panel 7.

Like the first panel member 3, the other end 21 b of the flat plateportion 21 is bent toward the panel stay 31 at a substantially rightangle to provide an edge rib 23.

The edge rib 23 is formed at its both ends with screw holes 23 a inalignment with the screw holes 13 a formed in the edge rib 13.

The flat plate portion 21 has an inner surface 23 c opposing the panelstay 31, and the inner surface 23 c and an outer surface 23 d opposingthe inner surface 23 c constitute an upper front surface of the device.That is, the lower front surface 11 d and the upper front surface 21 dprovide the front surface of the integrated panel 7.

Like the edge rib 23, the one end 21 a of the flat plate portion 21 isbent toward the panel stay 31 at a substantially right angle, andfurther bent toward the first panel member 3 as a substantially rightangle. The one end 21 a is formed with a slit 25 at its middle in thelongitudinal direction in alignment with the slit 15; this slit 25 hasthe same shape as the slit 15. As well as the slit 15, the slit 25 worksto allow air to enter therethrough.

Note that, as described above, each of the first and second panelmembers 3 and 5 can be formed with a notch, and integration between thefirst and second panel members 3 and 5 can provide a slit allowing airto flow therethrough. The slits 15 and 25 can be used as a fancy designor used to expose an indicator.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the one end 11 a of the first panelmember 11 and the one end 21 a of the second panel member 21 areoverlapped with each other such that their slits 15 and 25 are alignedwith each other. The overlapped portion is so configured as to beconcaved inward relative to the front surfaces 11 d and 15 d, thus beingdesigned as “overlapped groove” 27.

The overlapped groove 27 stages the front surface of the integratedpanel 23 such that the front surface appears to be separated into thelower front surface lid of the first panel member 3 and the upper frontsurface 21 d of the second panel member 5.

The appearance of the front surface of the integrated panel 7 is notonly effective as a decoration, but also more effective when a componentsystem, such as an audio component system, is assembled in one unit. Theintegrated component system requires a larger housing and includesvarious functions. Thus, in order to assemble the component system whilevisually identifying the individual functions, the integrated panelconsisting of the first and second panel members 11 and 21 can beapplied.

Reference numeral 21 e represents a window in which an operating part,such as a volume knob, is to be installed. Reference numeral 21 frepresents an indicating window for exposing indicators that indicate,for example, various pieces of information.

The panel stay 31 has a substantially plate-like shape, and has lateralends (lateral sides) along respective x-z planes of the housing 8. Thelateral ends of the panel stay 31 are bent toward respective lateralends of the integrated panel 7 at a substantially right angle to provideedge ribs 33.

The panel stay 31 also has longitudinal ends (longitudinal sides) alongrespective x-y planes of the housing 8. The longitudinal ends of thepanel stay 31 are bent toward respective longitudinal ends of theintegrated panel 7 at a substantially right angle to provide edge ribs35.

One of the edge ribs 35, which faces the edge rib 13 of the integratedpanel 7, is formed at its both ends with screw holes 35 a each havingthe same shape as the screw holes 13 a. The other of the edge ribs 35,which faces the edge rib 23 of the integrated panel 7, is formed at itsboth ends with screw holes 35 a each having the same shape as the screwholes 23 a.

The panel stay 31 has one surface facing the inner surfaces 11 c and 21c of the integrated panel 7, and has the other surface opposing the onesurface. The housing of the device is fixed to the other surface of thepanel stay 31. As fixing means between the panel stay 31 and the housing8, various fixing means can be used. For example, the panel stay 31 isfixed to the housing 8 by screws.

The biasing support 9 according to the first embodiment is configured toallow the attachment between the first panel member 3 and the secondpanel member 5 to provide the integrated panel 7. In providing theintegrated panel 7, the only overlap between the one end 11 a of thefirst panel member 11 and the one end 21 a of the second panel member 21may have a weak strength at the overlapped portion (overlapped groove27); this may cause the overlapped portion to be susceptible todeformation, such as warpage or kink.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, not only the integrated panel 7is fixed to the panel stay 31, but also the one end 11 a of the firstpanel member 11 and the one end 21 a of the second panel member 21 areso overlapped with each other as to provide the overlapped portion withadequate strength.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 1, the first panel member 3 and thesecond panel member 5 according to the first embodiment are so biased tothe panel stay 31 (housing 8) with L brackets 41 and 42 as to be fixedthereto. In addition, the panel stay 31, which is a sheet metal, servesas a supporting structure of the integrated panel 7.

The configuration of the biasing support 9 permits the first and secondpanel members 3 and 5 to be more firmly integrated with each other withdeformation of the overlapped portion being reduced.

Moreover, according to the first embodiment, the upper rib 23 of theintegrated panel 7 and the upper edge rib 35 of the panel stay 31illustrated in FIG. 1 are arranged to be overlapped with each other. Theoverlapped ribs 23 and 35 are fixed, such as threaded, to each other.The configuration provides the integrated panel 7 with highnondirectional resistance to deformation.

Specifically, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the L bracket 41 consists of afirst support plate 41 a and a second support plate 41 b orthogonal toeach other. The first support plate 41 a and the second support plate 41b have a screw hole 45 a and a screw hole 45 b, respectively. The screwholes 45 a and 45 b are respectively provided to urge the first andsecond panel members 3 and 5 so as to fasten them in their beingintegrated.

Similarly, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the L bracket 42 consists of afirst support plate 42 a and a second support plate 42 b orthogonal toeach other. The first support plate 42 a and the second support plate 42b have a screw hole 46 a and a screw hole 46 b, respectively. The screwholes 46 a and 46 b are respectively provided to fasten the integratedplate 7 to the edge ribs 33.

The integrated panel 7 has screw holes 47 and 48. The overlapped groove27 has ends 27 a and 27 b opposite to each other via the slits 15 and25. The screw holes 47 and 48 are formed in predetermined positions ofthe ends 27 a and 27 b of the overlapped groove 27, respectively. Eachof the screw holes 47 and 48 has the same diameter as that of the screwholes 45 a and 46 a.

The panel stay 31 has screw holes 49 and 50. The screw holes 49 and 50are formed in predetermined positions of the edge ribs 33 along therespective x-z planes of the housing 8, respectively. Each of the screwholes 49 and 50 has the same diameter as that of the screw holes 45 band 46 b. The screw holes 49 and 50 are arranged to be opposite to eachother.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, when the panel stay 31 is located opposingthe integrated panel 7 with a predetermined interval, the L bracket 41is located such that:

the first and second support plates 41 a and 41 b abut on the one end 27a of the overlapped groove 27 and the corresponding edge rib 33,respectively; and

the screw holes 45 a and 45 b are aligned with the screw holes 47 and49, respectively.

Similarly, when the panel stay 31 is located opposing the integratedpanel 7 with the predetermined interval, the L bracket 42 is locatedsuch that:

the first and second support plates 42 a and 42 b abut on the other end27 b of the overlapped groove 27 and the corresponding edge rib 33,respectively; and

the screw holes 46 a and 46 b are aligned with the screw holes 48 and50, respectively.

In the first embodiment, the integrated panel 7 is fastened to the panelstay 31 via the L brackets 41 and 42 by screws 51 a, 51 b, 52 a, and 52b. In the first embodiment, the screws are used as fastening members,but alternative fastening members, such as nuts and the like, can beused.

Particularly, the screws 51 a and 51 b bias the integrated panel 7toward the panel stay 31 and secure it, and the screws 52 a and 52 bfasten the biased integrated panel 7 to the panel stay 31.

Specifically, as descried above, the L bracket 41 is located such that:

the first and second support plates 41 a and 41 b abut on the one end 27a of the overlapped groove 27 and the corresponding edge rib 33,respectively; and

the screw holes 45 a and 45 b are aligned with the screw holes 47 and49, respectively.

Similarly, the L bracket 42 is located such that:

the first and second support plates 42 a and 42 b abut on the other end27 b of the overlapped groove 27 and the corresponding edge rib 33,respectively; and

the screw holes 46 a and 46 b are aligned with the screw holes 48 and50, respectively.

In the L bracket configuration, the screw 51 a is threaded into thescrew holes 45 a and 47. This results in that the bent one end 11 a ofthe first panel member 11 and the bent one end 21 a of the second panelmember 21, which constitute the overlapped one end 27 a of theintegrated panel 7, are attached to each other while being urged in theoverlap direction. Thereafter, the screw 52 a is threaded into the screwholes 49 and 45 b from the exterior of the panel stay 31 to therebyattach the overlapped one end 27 a of the integrated panel 7 to thecorresponding edge rib 33.

Similarly, in the L bracket configuration, the screw 51 b is threadedinto the screw holes 46 a and 48 from the back side of the integratedpanel 7. This results in that the bent one end 11 a of the first panelmember 11 and the bent one end 21 a of the second panel member 21, whichconstitute the overlapped other end 27 b of the integrated panel 7, areattached to each other while being urged in the overlap direction.Thereafter, the screw 52 b is threaded into the screw holes 50 and 46 bfrom the exterior of the panel stay 31 to thereby attach the overlappedother end 27 b of the integrated panel 7 to the corresponding edge rib33.

In addition, when the panel stay 31 is located opposing the integratedpanel 7 with the predetermined interval, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and2, the lower edge rib 35 in the z direction is mounted on thecorresponding edge rib 13 of the integrated panel 7, and, on the upperedge rib 35 in the z direction, the corresponding edge rib 23 of theintegrated panel 7 is mounted. This results in that:

the screw holes 13 a of the edge rib 13 and the corresponding screwholes 35 a of the lower edge rib 35 are aligned with each other; and

the screw holes 23 a of the edge rib 23 and the corresponding screwholes 35 a of the upper edge rib 35 are aligned with each other.

Thereafter, a screw 36 is threaded into the coaxially aligned screwholes 13 a and 35 a, and a screw 36 is threaded into the coaxiallyaligned screw holes 23 a and 35 a. This fastens the edge ribs 13 and 23of the integrated panel 7 to the corresponding edge ribs 35 and 35 ofthe panel stay 31.

As a result, the integrated panel 7 is fixedly supported by the panelstay 31 from its back side direction along the x direction, in its sidedirection along the y direction, and side direction along the zdirection.

The integrated panel 7 supported by the panel stay 31 set forth above isattached to one side wall, for example, an opening wall, of the housing8 of the device to constitute an outer surface of the device. The panelstay 31 is fixed to the housing 8 with un-illustrated means (not shown),such as engaging means, screwing means, nut locking means, or the like.

Because the panel stay 31 is secured to the housing 8, and the firstpanel member 3 and the second panel member 5 are fixed to the panel stay31, the integrated panel 7 with high resistance to deformation is formedto be secured to the housing 8.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the individuallyextruded first and second panel members 3 and 5 are overlapped at theirone ends 11 a and 21 a with each other to thereby produce the integratedpanel 1. This eliminates the need for increasing an extruding die insize with increase in the size of the integrated panel 7.

Coupling a plurality of the divided panels with each other enlarges thearea of the integrated panel, and using devised fixing means tightlyintegrates the coupled panels with each other. This produces largepanels each of which has high resistance to deformation and is easy tobe decorated in design.

Specifically, even if the device 8 is designed to have a large heightrelative to the installation surface S, it is possible to easilymanufacture a panel with a large height corresponding to an outersurface of the device 8 with such a large height.

With the panel 1 according to the first embodiment, the overlappedportion between the bent one end 11 a of the first panel member 11 andthe bent one end 21 a of the second panel member 21 provides theinwardly concaved overlapped groove 27 relative to the front surfaces 11d and 15 d.

Specifically, in the panel 1, the groove 27 is formed by overlapping thebent one ends 11 a and 21 a of the individually molded first and secondpanel members 11 and 21 with each other to provide the groove 27 withoutmolding the groove 27 on a surface of a metallic material.

For this reason, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that, whena groove is conventionally formed on a planar member, a deformation,such as warpage or a kink in a direction orthogonal to the lengthdirection of the groove occurs. In addition to the advantage, it ispossible to omit a groove forming step during a process of manufacturingthe panel. Thus, it is possible to provide the panel 1 for devices; thispanel 1 facilitates its manufacturing and has high reliability.

Conventionally, when a groove is formed on a planner member, it may bedifficult to form a deep groove due to mold limitations or insufficientstrength. Even if a groove is formed on a planner member, the formedgroove may have a shallow depth, and it may be difficult to fabricatethe formed groove. This may make it difficult to design the groove.

However, in the first embodiment, the bent one ends 11 a and 21 a of theindividually extruded first and second panel members 3 and 5 areoverlapped with each other to provide the groove 27. For this reason,more increase in the depth of each of the one ends 11 a and 21 arelative to the surface of a corresponding panel member allows thegroove 27 with a deeper depth to be provided, thus improving the designeffect of the groove 27. Particularly, when the panel is applied to ahigh-grade device, such as a high-grade audio device, it is possible tobring the groove to have a high-grade design.

The panel 1 is configured such that the one ends 11 a and 21 a of theindividually formed first and second panel members 3 and 5 areoverlapped with each other to provide the groove 27. For this reason, itis possible to easily fabricate, such as blast or mirror finish, each ofthe bent one ends 11 a and 21 a of the separated first and second panelmembers before their overlap.

This makes it possible to easily produce the panel 1 for devices; thispanel 1 has an improved aesthetic appearance and a high designabilitywith a low cost as compared with conventional panels for devices, thusproviding, at a low cost, the panel 1 for devices; this panel 1 has animproved aesthetic appearance and a high designability.

If the two panel members 3 and 5 were arranged one above the other andthereafter fixed to each other to produce an integrated panel 7 with alarge height, there would be concern about a possibility that warpageoccurs in the integrated panel 7 in its height direction orthogonal tothe overlapped groove 27.

However, in the first embodiment, the L brackets 41 and 42 cause thebent one end 11 a of the first panel member 11 and the bent one end 21 aof the second panel member 21, which constitute the overlapped portionof the integrated panel 7, to be coupled to each other while theoverlapped one ends are urged in the overlap direction. For this reason,it is possible to increase the adhesion strength between the overlappedends of the first and second panel members 11 and 21. This prevents orreduces deformations, such as warpage and/or kinks, from occurring inthe integrated panel 7 in its height direction.

The L brackets 41 and 42 fasten the integrated panel 7 to the panel stay31. The configuration allows the strength of the panel stay 31 in itsheight direction to further prevent or reduce these deformations, suchas warpage and/or kinks, from occurring in the integrated panel 7.

When the one end of the panel member 3 and the one end of the panelmember 5 are bent to be overlapped with each other, there is concernabout a possibility that the overlapped portion possesses insufficientstructural strength.

However, in the first embodiment, the L brackets 41 and 42 fasten bothends 27 a and 27 b of the overlapped portion between the first andsecond panel members 3 and 5 to the metal plate-like panel stay 31. Forthis reason, it is possible to reinforce the strength of the overlappedportion between the first and second panel members 3 and 5. This solvesor eliminates the problem of insufficient strength of an overlappedportion; this insufficient strength would be caused if the first andsecond panel members 3 and 5 were merely joined to each other.

Particularly, in the first embodiment, because the overlapped portion(groove 27) is sufficiently reinforced by the L brackets 41 and 42 andthe panel stay 31, the slits 15 and 25 can be formed in the groove 27.This makes it possible to provide the panel 1 with an improved aestheticappearance and a high designability.

Note that, in the panel 1 according to the first embodiment, the bentone end 11 a of the first panel member 3 and the bent one end 21 a ofthe second panel member 5 are integrally overlapped with each other toprovide the groove 27, but the present invention is not limited to thestructure.

Specifically, one end of the first panel member 3 and one end of thesecond panel member 5 can be overlapped with each other to provide anintegrated panel.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the L brackets 41 and 42 attachthe overlapped portions of the integrated panel 7 with each other, andattach the integrated panel 7 to the panel stay 31, but the presentinvention is not limited to the structure.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view schematically illustrating a part of apanel 1A for devices according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention; this part of the panel 1A corresponds to a part of the panelillustrated in FIG. 3.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, a panel stay 60 of the panel 1A isprovided with, in place of the edge ribs 33, mounting bosses 61 a and 61b formed to abut on the one end 27 a and the other end 27 b of thegroove 27, respectively.

The mounting bosses 61 a and 61 b are formed at their positions withscrew holes 62 a and 62 b; these screw holes 62 a and 62 b are alignedwith the corresponding screw holes 47 and 48, respectively. Each of thescrew holes 62 a and 62 b has a same diameter as the diameter of acorresponding one of the screw holes 47 and 48. The screws 51 a and 51 bare adapted to be threaded into the screw holes 62 a and 62 b,respectively.

Specifically, in the second embodiment, the panel stay 60, the screwholes 47, 48, 62 a, and 62 b, and screws 51 a and 51 b provide a fixingsupport 90A.

According to the second embodiment, the mounting bosses 61 a and 61 b ofthe panel stay 60 are located to abut on the both ends 27 a and 27 b ofthe groove of the integrated panel 7 such that the screw holes 47 and 48are aligned with the corresponding screw holes 62 a and 62 b,respectively. In this arrangement, the screw 51 a is threaded into thescrew holes 62 a and 47 from the back of the mounting boss 61 a, and thescrew 51 b is threaded into the screw holes 62 b and 48 from the back ofthe mounting boss 61 b.

This causes the overlapped groove end 27 a of the integrated panel 7 tobe coupled to the panel stay 60 while the overlapped groove end 27 a isurged in the overlap direction, and the overlapped groove end 27 b ofthe integrated panel 7 to be coupled to the panel stay 60 while theoverlapped groove end 27 b is urged in the overlap direction. Thus, itis possible to fasten the integrated panel 7 to the panel stay 60 whilethe overlapped groove 27 is biased toward the panel stay 60.

Specifically, in the second embodiment, the first panel member 3 and thesecond panel member 5 are coupled to each other at their overlapped ends27 a and 27 b by the mounting bosses 61 a and 61 b and the screws 51 aand 51 b while each of the overlapped ends 27 a and 27 b is urged in itsoverlap direction. The coupled first and second panel members 3 and 5are fastened to the panel stay 60 at their overlapped ends 27 a and 27b.

Thus, it is possible to reinforce the strength of the overlapped portionbetween the first and second panel members 3 and 5. This solves oreliminates the problem of insufficient strength of an overlappedportion; this insufficient strength would be caused if the first andsecond panel members 3 and 5 were merely joined to each other.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating apanel 1B for a device and a housing 8A of the device according to thethird embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the housing 8A according to the third embodimenthas one side wall 80 that is open. The one side wall 80 need not beopen. The opening wall 80 has substantially the same shape as the wholerectangular shape of the integrated panel 7. Attachment of theintegrated panel 7 to the opening wall 80 of the housing 8A serves theintegrated panel 7 as an outer surface of the corresponding device.

Screw holes 81 and 82 are formed in predetermined positions of lateralsides of the housing 8A, respectively; these lateral sides define theopening wall 80. Each of the screw holes 81 and 82 has the same diameteras the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 45 b and 46 bformed in the respective plates 41 b and 42 b. The screw holes 81 and 82are arranged to be opposite to each other.

When the integrated panel 7 is arranged to cover the opening wall 80 ofthe housing 8A, the L bracket 41 is located such that the first supportplate 41 a abuts on the one end 27 a of the overlapped groove 27, andthe screw holes 45 a and 45 b are aligned with the screw holes 47 and81, respectively.

Similarly, when the integrated panel 7 is arranged to cover the openingwall 80 of the housing 8A, the L bracket 42 is located such that thefirst support plate 42 a abuts on the other end 27 b of the overlappedgroove 27, and the screw holes 46 a and 46 b are aligned with the screwholes 48 and 82, respectively.

Screw holes 84 a are formed in both ends of one longitudinal side(bottom side in the z direction) defining the opening wall 80 of thehousing 8A, respectively. Each of the screw holes 84 a has the samediameter as the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 13 a.The screw holes 84 a are arranged to be opposite to each other.

Screw holes 85 a are formed in both ends of the other longitudinal side(top side in the z direction) defining the opening wall 80 of thehousing 8A, respectively. Each of the screw holes 85 a has the samediameter as the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 23 a.The screw holes 85 a are arranged to be opposite to each other.

The screw 51 a is adapted to be threaded into the screw holes 45 a and47, and the screw 51 b is adapted to be threaded into the screw holes 48and 46 a. Similarly, the screw 52 a is adapted to be threaded into thescrew holes 81 and 46 a, and the screw 52 b is adapted to be threadedinto the screw holes 82 and 46 b.

Specifically, in the third embodiment, the brackets serving as fixingattachments attaches the integrated panel 7 while urging it.Specifically, the L bracket 41 with the fixing screw hole 45 a, the Lbracket 42 with the fixing screw hole 46 a, the screw 51 a, and thescrew 51 b provide a biasing support 9B.

According to the third embodiment, when the first support plate 41 a ofthe L bracket 41 abuts on the one end 27 a of the overlapped groove ofthe integrated panel 7, the L bracket 41 is arranged such that the screwholes 45 a and 47 are aligned with each other, and the screw holes 45 band 81 are aligned with each other.

Similarly, when the first support plate 42 a of the L bracket 42 abutson the other end 27 b of the overlapped groove of the integrated panel7, the L bracket 42 is arranged such that the screw holes 46 a and 48are aligned with each other, and the screw holes 46 b and 82 are alignedwith each other.

In the L-bracket arrangement condition, the screw 51 a is threaded intothe screw holes 47 and 45 a from one side of the integrated panel 7opposite to the side of the housing 8A. This attaches the bent one end11 a of the first panel member 11 and the bent one end 21 a of thesecond panel member 21, which constitute the overlapped one end 27 a ofthe integrated panel 7, to each other while the overlapped one end 27 ais urged in the overlap direction.

Similarly, in the L-bracket arrangement condition, the screw 51 b isthreaded into the screw holes 48 and 46 a from the one side of theintegrated panel 7 opposite to the side of the housing 8A. This attachesthe bent one end 11 a of the first panel member 11 and the bent one end21 a of the second panel member 21, which constitute the overlappedother end 27 a of the integrated panel 7, to each other while theoverlapped other end 27 a is urged in the overlap direction.

Thus, the first panel member 3 and the second panel member 5 areattached to each other while being biased in the overlap direction.

Thereafter, the screw 52 a is threaded into the screw holes 81 and 45 bfrom the exterior of the housing, and the screw 52 b is threaded intothe screw holes 82 and 46 b from the exterior of the housing. Thisfastens the integrated panel 7 to both lateral sides of the housing 8Avia the L brackets 41 and 42.

Specifically, the fixing attachment 9B serves as both means for biasingthe panel members 3 and 5 to attach them and means for fastening theattached panel members 3 and 5 to the housing 8A.

In the fastened condition of the integrated panel 7 to the housing 8A bythe L brackets 41 and 42, the edge rib 13 is overlapped with the bottomside of the housing 8A defining the opening wall 80, and the edge rib 23is overlapped with the top side of the housing 8A defining the openingwall 80.

The overlapped state of the integrated panel 7 allows the screw holes 84a formed in the bottom side of the housing 8A defining the opening wall80 to be aligned with the corresponding screw holes 13 a of the edge rib13. Similarly, the overlapped state of the integrated panel 7 allows thescrew holes 85 a formed in the top side of the housing 8A defining theopening wall 80 to be aligned with the corresponding screw holes 23 a ofthe edge rib 23.

Thereafter, referring to FIG. 2, the screws 36 are threaded into thecoaxially aligned screw holes 13 a and 84 a, and the screws 36 arethreaded into the coaxially aligned screw holes 23 a and 85 a. Thisfastens the edge ribs 13 and 23 of the integrated panel 7 to the one andthe other longitudinal sides of the housing 8A in the z direction; theselongitudinal sides define the opening wall 80 of the housing 8A.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the first panel member 3and the second panel member 5 are attached to each other at theiroverlapped ends 27 a and 27 b by the L brackets 41 and 42 and the screws51 a and 51 b while each of the overlapped ends 27 a and 27 b is urgedin its overlap direction. The attached integrated panel 7 is directlyfixed to the housing 8A by the L brackets 41 and 42 and the screws 52 aand 52 b.

Thus, in addition to the advantages achieved by the second embodiment,it is possible to omit the panel stay 31. This reduces the number ofcomponent parts of the device while reinforcing the strength of theoverlapped portion between the first and second panel members 3 and 5.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating apanel 1C for a device and a housing 8B of the device according to thefourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the housing 8B according to the fourth embodimenthas one side wall 90 that is open. The one side wall 90 need not beopen. The opening wall 90 has substantially the same shape as the wholerectangular shape of the integrated panel 7. Attachment of theintegrated panel 7 to the opening wall 90 of the housing 8B serves theintegrated panel 7 as an outer surface of the corresponding device.

Lateral sides of the housing 8A defining the opening wall 90 are formedwith sheet metal attachment members 91 a and 91 b, respectively. Theattachment members 91 a and 91 b are located such that, when theintegrated panel 7 is located opposing the opening wall 90, theattachment members 91 a and 91 b are aligned with the corresponding ends27 a and 27 b of the overlapped groove of the integrated panel 7.

When the integrated panel 7 is located opposing the opening wall 90,screw holes 92 a and 92 b are so formed in the attachment members 91 aand 91 b as to be aligned with the screw holes 47 and 48 formed in thecorresponding ends 27 a and 27 b of the integrated panel 7,respectively. Each of the screw holes 92 a and 92 b has the samediameter as the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 47and 48. The screws 51 a and 51 b are adapted to be threaded into thescrew holes 92 a and 92 b, respectively.

Screw holes 94 a are formed in both ends of one longitudinal side(bottom side in the z direction) defining the opening wall 90 of thehousing 8B, respectively. Each of the screw holes 94 a has the samediameter as the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 13 a.The screw holes 94 a are arranged to be opposite to each other.

Screw holes 95 a are formed in both ends of the other longitudinal side(top side in the z direction) defining the opening wall 90 of thehousing 8B, respectively. Each of the screw holes 95 a has the samediameter as the diameter of a corresponding one of the screw holes 23 a.The screw holes 95 a are arranged to be opposite to each other.

Specifically, in the fourth embodiment, the attachment members 91 a and91 b extending in the same direction of the panel surface and theoverlapped surface on a y-z plane in FIG. 6 directly attaches theintegrated panel 7 while urging it, and simultaneously fixes theintegrated panel 7 to the housing 8B.

The configuration of the panel 1C achieves an advantage that is the sameas both: the advantage that the surface of the L bracket 41 b accordingto the third embodiment is fastened to the corresponding one side of thehousing with the screw hole 81, and the advantage that the surface ofthe L bracket 42 b according to the third embodiment is fastened to thecorresponding one side of the housing with the screw hole 82.

In the fourth embodiment, the attachment members 91 a and 91 b, whichare project members with formed screw holes and are fixed to orintegrally formed to the housing 8B, serve as the biasing attachments 9according to the first to third embodiments. The attachment members 91 aand 91 b can be formed by folding the sheet metal of the housing 8B orcan be formed separately from the housing 813. Folding of the sheetmetal of the housing can reduce the number of components of the panel1C, and more strongly integrate the panel 7 and the housing 8B.

The configuration can omit the L brackets from the configuration of thepanel 1B according to the third embodiment.

Specifically, in the fourth embodiment, the attachment members 71 and 72respectively formed with the screw holes 72 a and 72 b provide thebiasing attachment 9C. The screws 51 a and 51 b are threaded into thescrew holes 47 and 48, respectively, so as to urge the panel members 3and 5 toward each other, thus attaching the panel members 3 and 5, andtherefore, providing the integrated panel 7.

According to the fourth embodiment, the integrated panel 7 is locatedsuch that the ends 27 a and 27 b of the overlapped groove abut on theattachment members 91 a and 91 b of the opening wall 70, and thethreaded holes 47 and 48 are aligned with the threaded holes 72 a and 72b formed in the attachment members 71 a and 71 b, respectively.

In the alignment state, the screw 51 a is threaded into the screw holes47 and 72 a from one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the sideof the housing 8A, and the screw 51 b is threaded into the screw holes48 and 72 b from the one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to theside of the housing 8A. This attaches, by the attachment members 91 aand 91 b and the screws 51 a and 51 b, the ends 27 a and 27 b of theoverlapped groove of the integrated panel 7 to the housing 8B whileurging the ends 27 a and 27 b of the overlapped groove toward thehousing 8B. This results in that the panel members 3 and 5 areintegrated with each other to provide the integrated panel 7 with theintegrated panel 7 being fixed to the housing 8B.

In the fastened condition of the integrated panel 7 to the housing 8B bythe attachment members 71 a and 71 b, the edge rib 13 is overlapped withthe bottom side of the housing 8B defining the opening wall 90, and theedge rib 23 is overlapped with the top side of the housing 8B definingthe opening wall 90

The overlapped state of the integrated panel 7 allows the screw holes 94a formed in the bottom side of the housing 8B defining the opening wall90 to be aligned with the corresponding screw holes 13 a of the edge rib13. Similarly, the overlapped state of the integrated panel 7 allows thescrew holes 95 a formed in the top side of the housing 8B defining theopening wall 90 to be aligned with the corresponding screw holes 23 a ofthe edge rib 23.

Thereafter, referring to FIG. 2, the screws 36 are threaded into thecoaxially aligned screw holes 13 a and 94 a, and the screws 36 arethreaded into the coaxially aligned screw holes 23 a and 95 a. Thisfastens the edge ribs 13 and 23 of the integrated panel 7 to the one andthe other longitudinal sides of the housing 8B in the z direction; theselongitudinal sides define the opening wall 90 of the housing 8B.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, in addition to theadvantages achieved by the third embodiment, it is possible to omit theL brackets 41 and 42. This reduces the number of component parts of thedevice while reinforcing the strength of the overlapped portion betweenthe first and second panel members 3 and 5.

FIG. 7 is one side and locally sectional view of a panel 1D for a deviceand a housing 8C of the device according to the fifth embodiment of thepresent invention. The housing 8C has the same structure as that of thehousing 8B illustrated in FIG. 6. Specifically, lateral sides of thehousing 8C defining the opening wall 90 are formed with sheet metalattachment members 91 a and 91 b, respectively. Note that the screwholes 92 a and 92 b can be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 7, the one end 11 a of the first panel member 11 andthe one end 21 a of the second panel member 21, which constitute the oneend 27 a of the overlapped groove of an integrated panel 7A according tothe fifth embodiment, are attached with each other independently of thehousing 8C. Specifically, the one end 11 a of the first panel member 11and the one end 21 a of the second panel member 21 are attached to eachother by a screw 96 and a nut 97 while they are urged toward each otherin the overlap direction by the screw 96 and nut 97; these screw 96 andnut 97 serve as a biasing attachment 9D.

The housing 8C is formed at its first and second side walls 98 and 99with screw holes 100 and 101, respectively; these first and second sidewalls 98 and 99 correspond to the edge ribs 13 and 23 of the integratedpanel 7, respectively.

The edge ribs 13 and 23 of the integrated panel 7A are formed with screwholes 102 and 103 corresponding to the screw holes 102 and 103,respectively. A screw 104 is adapted to be threaded into the screw holes100 and 102, and a screw 105 is adapted to be threaded into the screwholes 101 and 103, respectively.

The integrated panel 7A according to the fifth embodiment is locatedopposing the opening wall of the housing 8C such that:

the edge ribs 13 and 23 abut on the outer surfaces of the correspondingside walls of the housing 8C; and

the screw holes 100 and 101 are alignment with the screw holes 102 and103, respectively.

In the arrangement state, the screw 104 is threaded into the alignedscrew holes 100 and 102 from the exterior of the housing 8C to therebyfasten the edge rib 23 of the integrated panel 7A to the first side wall98 of the housing 8C.

Similarly, in the arrangement state, the screw 105 is threaded into thealigned screw holes 101 and 105 from the exterior of the housing 8C tothereby fasten the edge rib 13 of the integrated panel 7A to the secondside wall 99 of the housing 8C.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the one end 11 a of thefirst panel member 11 and the one end 21 a of the second panel member 21are attached to each other by the screw 96 and the nut 97 while they areurged toward each other in the overlap direction by the screw 96 and nut97. The integrated panel 7 consisting of the attached panel members 11and 21 is directly fixed to the housing 8C by the screw holes 100, 101,102, and 103, and the screws 104 and 105.

In the fifth embodiment, the nut 97 serves as a member that works tourge the panel members 3 and 5 toward each other to thereby attach them,which corresponds to the panel stays and/or brackets according to thefirst to fourth embodiments. Because the supporting area and the weightof the nut 97 are small, the strength of the overlapped portion may bereduced by a little level.

However, threading of the screws 104 and 105 into the respective alignedscrew holes 100 and 102 and aligned screw holes 101 and 103 integratesthe integrated panel 7A and the housing 8C with each other. For thisreason, it is possible to maintain the strength of the whole of theintegrated panel 7A while preventing deformations.

The width of the sheet metal attachment member 91 a (91 b) in the zdirection, the width of the one end 27 a of the overlapped groovetherein, and the width (thickness) of the nut 92 therein are preferablyin agreement with each other. The configuration biases the one end 27 a(27 b) of the overlapped portion to the sheet metal attachment member 91a (91 b), making it possible to achieve the advantages in the first toforth embodiments.

The nut 92 is not limited to a commercially available nut. A supportplate formed with a screw hole into which the screw 96 can be threadedcan be used in place of the nut 92. The increase in area of the supportplate, the matching of the width (thickness) of the support plate withthe width of each of the sheet metal attachment member 91 a (91 b) andthe overlapped one end 27 a in the z direction, the increase in thenumber of fixed points, and the like can enhance the biasing attachmenteffect of the integrated panel 7A.

As a result, as well as the third and fourth embodiments, it is possibleto omit the panel stay in addition to the advantages in the first andsecond embodiments. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number ofcomponents of the device while reinforcing the strength of theoverlapped portion of the first and second panel members 3 and 5.

Moreover, according to the fifth embodiment, the integration between thepanels 3 and 5 of the integrated panel 7A and the fixed supporting ofthe integrated panel 7A to the housing 8C are accomplished by individualcomponents. For this reason, it is possible to increase the flexibilityof the integrated structure between the panels 3 and 5 of the integratedpanel 7A and the flexibility of the fixed supporting structure of theintegrated panel 7A to the housing 8C.

The concept described in the fifth embodiment can be applied to thefirst embodiment. Specifically, the integration between the panels 3 and5 of the integrated panel 7A and the fixed supporting of the integratedpanel 7A to the panel stay 31 can be accomplished by individualcomponents.

Note that, in the first to fifth embodiments, the shape and material ofeach of the components, such as the first panel member 3, the secondpanel member 5, and the fixing support 9, are described as an example,but they can be formed by another shape and material.

Moreover, in the first to fifth embodiments, two panel members (thefirst panel member 3 and the second panel member 5) are assembled toprovide the integrated panel 7, but the present invention is not limitedto the structure. Three panel members can be assembled to provide anintegrated panel. There is not limited to a vertical direction. Forexample, small panel members, such as three panel members in a verticaldirection, two panel members in a horizontal direction, or thecombination of vertical and horizontal directions can provide a largeintegrated panel.

Furthermore, in the first to fifth embodiments, the shape of eachbracket is not limited to an L shape.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, in place of the L brackets 41 and42, brackets 110 and 111 each having a substantially C shape (block Cshape) in the z-x plane can be used.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the bracket 110 has a lengthcorresponding to the length of a lateral side of a housing, for example,the housing 8A, which is the length in the z direction. The bracket 110is located opposing the housing 8A. The bracket 110 is formed at itsmiddle portion with a screw hole 110 a corresponding to the screw hole47.

The bracket 110 has both ends in its longitudinal direction, and theboth ends are bent toward both ends of the housing 8A in the zdirection. Both of the bent ends are formed with screw holes 110 bcorresponding to the screw holes 84 a and 85 a, respectively.

Similarly, the bracket 111 has a length corresponding to the length of alateral side of the housing 8A, which is the length in the z direction.The bracket 111 is located opposing the housing 8A. The bracket 111 isformed at its middle portion with a screw hole 111 a corresponding tothe screw hole 48.

The bracket 111 has both ends in its longitudinal direction, and theboth ends are bent toward both ends of the housing 8A in the zdirection. Both of the bent ends are formed with screw holes 111 bcorresponding to the screw holes 84 a and 85 a, respectively.

According to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8, when the brackets110 and 111 and the integrated panel 7 are located such that the screwholes 110 a and 111 a are aligned with the screw holes 47 and 48,respectively, the screw 51 a is threaded into the screw holes 47 and 110a from one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the housing 8A.This biases and attaches the one end 11 a of the first panel member 11to the one end 21 a of the second panel member 21.

According to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8, when the brackets110 and 111 and the integrated panel 7 are located such that the screwholes 110 a and 111 a are aligned with the screw holes 47 and 48,respectively, the screw 51 a is threaded into the screw holes 47 and 110a from one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the housing 8A.This biases and attaches the one end 11 a of the first panel member 11to the one end 21 a of the second panel member 21.

Similarly, the screw 51 b is threaded into the screw holes 48 and 111 afrom the one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the housing 8A.This biases and attaches the other end 11 b of the first panel member 11to the other end 21 b of the second panel member 21.

At that time, the screw holes 13 a and 23 a of one end side of the edgerib 13 and the screw holes 111 a and 111 a of both ends of the bracket110 are coaxially aligned with each other. Similarly, the screw holes 13b and 23 b of the other end side of the edge rib 13 and the screw holes111 b and 111 b of both ends of the bracket 111 are coaxially alignedwith each other.

The screw holes 13 a and 23 a of the integrated panel 7 biased andattached by the brackets 110 and 111 are respectively aligned with thescrew holes 84 a and 85 a of both ends of the housing 8A in the zdirection.

Referring to FIG. 2, the screw 36 is threaded into each screw hole 13 aof the edge rib 13 and the screw hole 84 a coaxially aligned therewith,and the screw 36 is threaded into each screw hole 23 a of the edge rib23 and the screw hole 85 a coaxially aligned therewith. As a result, theintegrated panel 7 is fastened to the housing 8A via the edge ribs 13and 23.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in place of the L brackets 41 and42, a bracket 120 having a substantially C shape in the x-y plane can beused.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the bracket 120 has a lengthcorresponding to the length of a longitudinal side of a housing, forexample, the housing 8A, which is the length in the y direction. Thebracket 120 is located opposing the housing 8A.

The bracket 120 has a rectangular frame in z y-z plane in its crosssection, and the bracket 120 is formed at its center portion with a slitcorresponding to the slit 15 (25).

The bracket 120 has both ends 121 and 122 outwardly extending in the ydirection from the rectangular frame portion, and the both ends 121 and122 are formed with screw holes 121 a and 122 a corresponding to thescrew holes 47 and 48, respectively.

Both ends 121 and 122 of the bracket 120 are bent toward both ends ofthe housing 8A in the y direction. Both of the bent ends 121 and 122 areformed with screw holes 121 b and 122 b corresponding to the screw holes81 and 82, respectively.

According to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 9, when the bracket120 and the integrated panel 7 are located such that the screw holes 120a and 121 a are aligned with the screw holes 47 and 48, respectively,the screw 51 a is threaded into the screw holes 47 and 121 a from oneside of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the housing 8A. In thelocation, the screw 51 b is threaded into the screw holes 48 and 122 afrom the one side of the integrated panel 7 opposite to the housing 8A.This biases and attaches the one end 11 a of the first panel member 11to the one end of the second panel member 21 by the bracket 120, and theother end 11 b of the first panel member 11 to the other end 21 b of thesecond panel member 21.

At that time, the screw holes 81 and 82 formed at both endscorresponding to lateral sides constituting the opening wall 80 of thehousing 8A and screw holes 121 b and 122 b of both ends 121 and 122 ofthe bracket 120 are coaxially aligned with each other.

Referring to FIG. 5, the screw 52 a is threaded into the screw holes 81and 121 b from the exterior of the housing, and the screw 52 b isthreaded into the screw holes 82 and 122 b from the exterior of thehousing. As a result, the integrated panel 7 is fastened to the bothside surfaces of the housing 8A (both lateral side surfaces of theopening wall housing 8A) via the bracket 120.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, in place of the L brackets 41and 42, a bracket constructed by combining the structure illustrated inFIG. 8 and that illustrated in FIG. 9 can be used.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the bracket is designed suchthat a surface extending in the z direction and a surface extending inthe z direction. The at least one part of the cross section in a y-zdirection has a H shape or “+” shape. FIG. 10 illustrates the brackethaving a H shape.

Referring to FIG. 10, the bracket has a length corresponding to thelength of a longitudinal side of a housing, for example, the housing 8A,which is the length in the y direction, and has a first portion 130 tobe located opposing the housing 8A. The first portion 130 has asubstantially inverse U shape in its cross section, and formed at itsmiddle portion with a concave portion corresponding to the slit 15 (25).The first portion 130 can have a rectangular shape illustrated in FIG.9.

A pair of second portions 140 and 141 having a substantially C shape inits cross section in a z-x plane are formed at both ends of the firstportion 130.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 8, the second portion 140 has a lengthcorresponding to the length of a lateral side of the housing 8A, whichis the length in the z direction. The second portion 140 is locatedopposing the housing 8A. The second portion 140 is formed at its middleportion with a screw hole 140 a corresponding to the screw hole 47.

The second portion 140 has both ends in its longitudinal direction, andthe both ends are bent toward both ends of the housing 8A in the zdirection. Both of the bent ends are formed with screw holes 140 bcorresponding to the screw holes 84 a and 85 a, respectively.

Similarly, the second portion 141 has a length corresponding to thelength of a lateral side of the housing 8A, which is the length in the zdirection. The second portion 141 is located opposing the housing 8A.The second portion 141 is formed at its middle portion with a screw hole141 a corresponding to the screw hole 48.

The second portion 141 has both ends in its longitudinal direction, andthe both ends are bent toward both ends of the housing 8A in the zdirection. Both of the bent ends are formed with screw holes 141 bcorresponding to the screw holes 84 a and 85 a, respectively.

The biasing attachment of the bracket illustrated in FIG. 10 to thefirst and second panels 3 and 5, and the attachment of the integratedpanel 7 biased and attached by the bracket are omitted because they arein the same manner as the case of the brackets 110 and 111 illustratedin FIG. 8.

Using the bracket illustrated in FIG. 10 increases the area of thebracket developed in the y-z direction. For this reason, the surface forbiasing and fastening the integrated panel, which corresponds to the Lbrackets 41 a and 41 b, can be secured, and advantages that aresubstantially the same as the advantages achieved by the panel stay 31can be achieved.

Specifically, it is possible to reduce the weight while reducing thearea to reduce the material cost. Moreover, because the area of thesurface developed in the y-z plane parallel to the integrated panel 7becomes wide, the integration between the panel members 3 and 5 becomesmore strong, making it possible to achieve an advantage that they aredifficult to be deformed. The advantage can be achieved by orthogonallyoverlapping a plate in the y direction with a plate in z direction orcrossing and fastening them. The advantage can also be achieved byconstructing the bracket with one plate.

As described above, in the first to fifth embodiments, for attachmentand fastening between components, screws can be typically used, butvarious attachment members and/or attachment structures, such asattachment members using nuts, or attachment structures using engagingcan be used.

The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned first tofifth embodiments and their modifications, and can be implemented asvariations of the aforementioned first to fifth embodiments and theirmodifications within the scope of the present invention.

1. A panel constituting a first surface exposed on an exterior of adevice, the panel comprising: a first panel member having a first oneend; a second panel member having a second one end, at least part of thesecond one end being located to be overlapped with at least part of thefirst one end of the first panel member; and a biasing attachment thatbiases the overlapped parts between the first one end of the first panelmember and the second one end of the second panel member in an overlapdirection so as to attach the overlapped parts.
 2. A panel constitutingfirst surface exposed on an exterior of a device, the panel comprising:a first panel member having a first one end; a second panel memberhaving a second one end, at least part of the second one end beinglocated to be overlapped with at least part of the first one end of thefirst panel member; and a biasing attachment having a surface opposingthe overlapped parts between the first one end of the first panel memberand the second one end of the second panel member, the biasingattachment biasing, via the surface, the overlapped parts between thefirst one end of the first panel member and the second one end of thesecond panel member in an overlap direction so as to attach theoverlapped parts, wherein the first panel member is formed at its otherend portion opposing the overlapped parts with a first panel bendportion, the first panel bend portion being bent at a substantiallyright angle relative to the first surface toward a direction of thehousing, being overlapped with a second surface of the housingorthogonal to the first surface thereof, and being fixed to the housing,and the second panel member is formed at its other end portion opposingthe overlapped parts with a second panel bend portion, the second panelbend portion being bent at a substantially right angle relative to thefirst surface toward a direction of the housing, being overlapped withthe second surface of the housing orthogonal to the first surfacethereof, and being fixed to the housing.
 3. The panel according to claim2, wherein the biasing attachment comprises a biasing attachment bendportion bent at a substantially right angle toward a direction of thehousing so as to be fixed to the housing.
 4. The panel according toclaim 3, wherein the biasing attachment has an L shape.
 5. The panelaccording to claim 2, wherein the biasing attachment bends, at asubstantially right angle, the surface opposing the overlapped partsfrom any one surface of the housing orthogonal to the first surfacethereof so as to extend the surface.
 6. The panel according to claim 1,wherein the biasing attachment comprises a plate member located opposingthe first and second panel members, and the plate member comprises amounting boss formed to abut on the overlapped parts, and the biasingattachment further comprises a fixing member that fixes the overlappedparts and the mounting boss abutting thereon at a point.
 7. The panelaccording to claim 1, wherein the overlapped parts are so concavedrelative to surfaces of the first and second panel members as to beformed as a concaved groove.
 8. The panel according to claim 1, whereinthe overlapped parts extend in a predetermined direction, and theoverlapped parts are formed with a slit extending in the predetermineddirection.
 9. The panel according to claim 7, wherein the first one endof the first panel member is bent toward the housing at a substantiallyright angle to provide a first overlap surface, the second one end ofthe second panel member is bent toward the housing at a substantiallyright angle to provide a second overlap surface, and the first overlapsurface and the second overlap surface are overlapped with each other toprovide the concaved groove.